Exhaust Tools

About Exhaust Tools

Exhaust tools are essential equipment for anyone working on vehicle exhaust systems, from professional mechanics to DIY enthusiasts tackling home repairs. This category encompasses a comprehensive range of specialist tools designed to make exhaust system maintenance, repair, and replacement more efficient and safer. Whether you're dealing with corroded fixings, need to cut through stubborn pipework, or require proper ventilation when working in enclosed spaces, having the right exhaust tools can transform a challenging job into a straightforward task.

Our selection includes everything from exhaust pipe cutters and expanders to fume extraction systems and repair materials. Leading brands such as Sealey, Facom, and Draper provide professional-grade solutions for cutting, expanding, clamping, and joining exhaust components. For quick repairs, we stock emergency fix products from CarPlan and J-B Weld that can temporarily or permanently resolve common exhaust issues like cracks, holes, and leaking joints.

Modern exhaust systems feature increasingly complex designs with varied fixing methods, requiring specialist tools to work on them effectively. From spring clamp removal tools for VAG vehicles to PSA-specific collar pliers, having vehicle-appropriate equipment ensures you can tackle manufacturer-specific challenges without damaging components or wasting valuable time on site.

Jargon Buster

• Exhaust Fume Extractor: A ventilation system that removes harmful exhaust gases from workshops or garages, essential when running engines indoors to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and maintain safe working conditions.
• Pipe Expander: A tool used to widen the diameter of exhaust pipes, typically used when creating slip joints or when joining sections of pipework without welding. Available in various sizes to suit different pipe diameters.
• Spring Clamp: A circular fixing device using spring tension to secure exhaust components together. Removal requires specialist tools to compress the clamp safely without damaging surrounding parts.
• Combustion Gas Leak Detector: Diagnostic equipment used to identify exhaust gas leaks and combustion problems by detecting specific gases in the exhaust system or coolant.
• Exhaust Collar: A metal ring or band used to join two sections of exhaust pipe together, commonly found on PSA Group vehicles (Peugeot, Citroën) and requiring specific pliers for removal and installation.
• Bandage Wrap: Heat-resistant repair material applied to exhaust pipes to seal minor cracks and holes, offering a quick temporary or semi-permanent repair solution without welding.

Who Uses Exhaust Tools?

• Motor Vehicle Mechanics: Professional technicians working in garages and workshops who regularly service and repair exhaust systems across all vehicle types
• Mobile Mechanics: Travelling technicians requiring portable exhaust repair and installation equipment for on-site vehicle repairs
• MOT Testing Stations: Facilities conducting emissions testing and exhaust system inspections that need diagnostic and repair tools
• Classic Car Restorers: Enthusiasts rebuilding vintage vehicles who need to fabricate or modify exhaust systems to original specifications
• Fleet Maintenance Teams: Commercial vehicle workshops maintaining company cars, vans, and lorries
• Agricultural Engineers: Specialists working on farm machinery and equipment with exhaust system requirements
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home mechanics performing their own vehicle maintenance and repairs to save on garage costs
• Motorsport Teams: Racing crews requiring specialist exhaust tools for performance modifications and trackside repairs

How to Choose the Right Exhaust Tools

Selecting appropriate exhaust tools depends on the type of work you undertake and the vehicles you service. For professional mechanics working in busy workshops, investing in quality pipe cutters from brands like Sealey or Facom ensures clean cuts and long service life, whilst fume extraction systems become essential safety equipment rather than optional extras when engines are regularly running indoors.

Consider the specific vehicle makes you work on most frequently. Certain manufacturers use proprietary fixing systems – VAG vehicles often employ spring clamps, whilst PSA group cars use collar-type joints. Having manufacturer-specific tools prevents damage to components and reduces job times significantly. If you work across multiple brands, building a comprehensive toolkit with various removal pliers and specialist tools provides the versatility needed.

For mobile mechanics or those with limited storage space, compact pipe expander sets and portable repair materials like exhaust bandages and pastes offer practical solutions without requiring extensive equipment. These products are particularly valuable for emergency repairs or situations where permanent fixes aren't immediately possible.

Workshop-based professionals should prioritise proper ventilation equipment. Exhaust fume extractors with appropriate hose lengths for your workspace protect against carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure HSE compliance. Look for systems with sufficient extraction capacity for your workshop size and consider whether single or multiple-hose configurations best suit your working arrangements.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement chains and cutting wheels for exhaust pipe cutters
• Additional hoses and nozzles for fume extraction systems
• Exhaust repair pastes and bandages for emergency fixes
• Heat-resistant exhaust assembly paste for easier future removal
• Replacement hangers and rubber mounting components
• Penetrating fluids for seized fixings and corroded joints
• Wire brushes and cleaning tools for preparing joint surfaces
• Protective gloves resistant to heat and sharp edges
• Carbon monoxide detectors for workshop safety monitoring

Safety Information

Working on exhaust systems presents several safety hazards that require appropriate precautions. Always ensure exhaust components have cooled completely before handling, as exhaust systems can remain dangerously hot for extended periods after engine operation. Wear heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses to protect against burns and debris when cutting or removing exhaust components.

Never run vehicle engines in enclosed spaces without proper fume extraction systems. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless, and potentially fatal. Exhaust fume extractors are essential equipment for any workshop where engines operate indoors, and their use is often required for HSE compliance. Ensure extraction hoses are positioned correctly at the exhaust outlet and that systems are regularly maintained.

When working beneath vehicles, always use appropriate lifting equipment and axle stands – never rely solely on jacks. Exhaust work often involves applying significant force to remove seized components, which can cause vehicles to shift unexpectedly. Corroded exhaust parts may have sharp edges, so handle with care and dispose of old components responsibly, as they may contain hazardous materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size exhaust pipe cutter do I need?

Most exhaust pipe cutters handle pipes from approximately 30mm to 100mm in diameter, covering the majority of passenger vehicle exhausts. Check your specific vehicle's pipe diameter before purchasing, and consider a tool with adjustable capacity if you work on various vehicle types. Professional-grade cutters from Sealey typically offer the widest range and most durable construction.

Are exhaust repair bandages a permanent solution?

Exhaust bandages and wraps provide effective temporary repairs and can last several months or even years depending on the damage extent and operating conditions. However, they're best considered as short-term solutions or emergency fixes. For permanent repairs, proper welding or component replacement remains the most reliable approach, particularly for MOT compliance.

Do I really need an exhaust fume extractor for my home garage?

If you ever run vehicle engines in your garage, an exhaust fume extractor is essential safety equipment, not optional. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur rapidly in enclosed spaces and is often fatal. Even with doors open, adequate ventilation cannot be guaranteed. A proper extraction system provides peace of mind and protects your health during diagnostics, tuning, or any situation requiring the engine to run indoors.

Can I use standard pipe cutters on exhaust systems?

Regular pipe cutters designed for plumbing aren't suitable for exhaust work. Exhaust-specific cutters are built to handle the harder steel alloys used in exhaust systems and can cut through corroded, multi-layered pipes that would damage standard cutters. They also provide the clearance needed to work in the confined spaces typical of vehicle underside work.

What's the difference between exhaust paste and bandage?

Exhaust paste is a thick, heat-resistant sealant applied to small cracks or used on joints to prevent leaks, whilst exhaust bandage is a wrap material impregnated with repair compound that hardens when heated. Paste suits minor leaks and joint sealing, whereas bandages can repair larger holes and cracks. Many mechanics keep both on hand for different repair scenarios.